Dog Recipes Trickling In. Can You Help?

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Dog Recipes Please!

Yay! Our friend Miss Paris sent in a recipe for some delicious treats. Mom posted it over at All Things Dog Blog. Mom's goal is to collect a bunch of recipes into an ebook that we can offer to readers.

Tanner and I plan to be the editors and official taste-testers. That means that today we'll be busy helping with Chicken and Cheese Biscuits. Now that's a job a dog can sink his teeth into!

Would you like to submit a recipe for the All Things Dog Blog cookbook? Mom plans to give away prizes for things like Best recipes, cover photo, and a cookbook name. There have been a few submissions, but until we get the book full enough to put it together, we won't announce any winners. That means you have time.

Have you got a delicious recipe that your Fido loves? Please, won't you share it with us? You can send it to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.

More Dog-Friendly Ski Resorts!

by Tanner

© reader Kim's copyright on file
Maddy and Granville
Love the Snow

When my mom's friends send pictures of their dogs playing in the snow, I get really jealous. One of these days I want to play in the snow too :(

This picture came from my mom's college friend, Kim, whose Newfoundlands, Maddy and Granville look like great playmates for me. Do you think they would teach me how to make a snowdog?

Today's post over at All Things Dog Blog is a guest post from mom's friend, Carol. She's a writer at FIDO Friendly who is doing a series for All Things Dog Blog on dog-friendly ski resorts. I'm still drooling, but snow skiing is not even on my radar. It's a long drive to a snow resort for us, but maybe one day. :(

 If you are looking for a great place to take your pup along on a ski vacation, Miss Carol is offering up some great advice. Her first post on dog-friendly ski resorts was published at All Things Dog Blog on December 12 and was very popular. Hope you enjoy it.

Assistance Dog, Therapy Dog, Service Dog...We're so Confused

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
I Provide Lap Therapy

My momma's friend, Miss Joanne, tells her I should be a therapy dog. Does that mean I need to go to therapy? Well, apparently it does mean I need to go to more school. School is fun. I'd like to major in lunch and P.E.

But Assistance Dog and Service Dog sound like more work to me. Maybe we'll leave those jobs to the professionals like mom's friend Carolyn in Colorado and her 3 dogs, who all are involved in serving people. You can read all about Carolyn's Golden Retrievers at K9 Cares. Tanner is gaga over these beautiful dogs!

If you're interested in training a service dog, our trainer, Terry Lynn Cuyler, offers some tips for selecting the right dog in her post at All Things Dog Blog, Selecting a Train-it-Yourself Assistance Dog.

Our All-Time Favorite Holiday Video: Don't Miss This!

by Tanner and Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Holidays are About Family
We Miss our Brent!

It's Christmas Day and today we get to watch our favorite video. Have YOU ever seen dogs getting ready for Christmas? This is just too cool. Over at All Things Dog Blog you've just got to watch this adorable video.

These dogs were trained by a European trainer, so you'll notice some foreign language at the beginning, but it won't matter. The fun is in the images. These dogs get the packages ready, put up the tree, decorate it and have a blast doing it.

Speaking of Christmas, we're glad we get our favorite movie today, since we don't have one of our 'boys'. We're sure missing him, but want him to know how much we love him. Come home soon, Brent! P.S. Be sure to bring a 'friend.'

Pup Profiles Popular at All Things Dog Blog

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
I Need Some Shades
like Baxter's

Today's Pup Profile over at All Things Dog Blog is Baxter. He's a cool dude that loves the pool. I couldn't let him get all the attention, so I had to show him I'm a pool boy too! After all, you know what they say about pool boys! They get all the girls.

I do have one thing to ask Baxter. "Where'd you get your cool shades?" I'd like some like that. Wouldn't I look handsome in them? Yeah, dude.

Would you like to show off your pup in a Pup Profile at All Things Dog Blog? Send your pup's picture to our blog email at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com, along with the answers to these 4 questions:

1. What is your nickname?
2. What is the thing you hate most?
3. What was your most embarrassing moment?
4. What is your favorite physical activity(ies)?

Be sure to include your real name too. We just like to know!

Silly but Fun. Watch our Friends Get Ready for the Holidays...

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Don't Miss this Holiday Video

You really must click over to All Things Dog Blog to see the pups getting ready for the holidays. Our mom has a great video that you will enjoy (even though she has not fooled us for a minute!) Check it out and you'll see what I mean. Happy holidays.

Can I Tattle? Tanner has Stolen Mom's New Pillow!

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Where's a Pillow
When I Need It?

Tanner loves pillows. When our Mom made her cute puppy print pillow today at All Things Dog Blog, she tucked it into a backpack to take along on a trip. Next thing ya know....Tanner had it out and was dragging it around the house. Retrievers! They're so funny.

It's a cute pillow that you can make too. She calls it DIY--Do It Yourself!

Mom also made us some cool tug toys. She likes making dog stuff. I don't think she intended Tanner to take her pillow, though. I'll go reprimand him....right after I take a nap.

© Carrie Boyko
I'm Glad I Live in Florida!

Snow please?

by Tanner

© Carrie Boyko
No Snow Here :(

Every time I see a picture of a dog in snow I feel a little tinge of jealousy. The nice lady from FIDO Friendly has written a series of posts for All Things Dog Blog on ski resorts that are dog-friendly. The second post is running today and mom seems very pleased. We sure wish we could go snow skiing, but there's no snow in Florida. Imagine that?!!

These posts are good news for all you pups out there that don't want to be left behind on a ski vacation. After all, isn't there a saying about "Leave no dog behind?" I'd like to go too. Who can pick me up?

Yay! Fewer Shots....We love Dr. Pat!

by Tanner

(c) Carrie Boyko
Yeehaw!

Did you read Dr. Pat's post today? Great news! Lots of us pups may be getting more vaccinations that we really need. Dr. Pat says that we don't all need to have EVERY vaccination EVERY year. That's great news.

Our mom is really into reducing the toxins in our bodies, so her ears perked up just like ours do sometimes. Mine didn't in this picture--boo!

So, if you're into living a more natural lifestyle, you might want to click over to All Things Dog Blog to see what Dr. Pat has to say about this. We think it's good to have choices. Thanks Dr. Pat!

We're Rolling Back our Shot Schedule!

by Tanner

(c) Carrie Boyko
Yippee!

We love Dr. Pat more and more. Every time she writes a post for All Things Dog Blog, we seem to get more good news. Our mom has been working at going green in everything, and Dr. Pat is going to help. She's not recommending that we have ALL of the vaccines EVERY year. Yeah!

Of course it is different for each dog. I'm a big healthy guy who lives in a low-toxin home. That should make me a low risk, right? I'm starting to like this going green stuff. What about you?

New Dogs? Is that Possible?

by Tanner and Oliver

© A. Boyko
Shopping in Winter Park

Tanner and I are having a bit of confusion. Mom posted an article today at All Things Dog Blog about new "breeds" that were recently approved by the AKC. Surely you can see why we're a bit confused. Here are the facts:

• Dogs all come from wolves; all that's different is that we each have a different outfit. What's the deal with "breeds"?
• Who is AKC? Mom says they are the American Kennel Club. We're a bit lost here, too. What's a kennel? We have crates that someone once referred to as our kennel. Can crates have clubs? 
• Finally, how can a kennel approve a dog, when the dog already exists as a real living animal, and a kennel is just a bedroom for a pup? 

This is simply baffling. Anybody got a clue? We're dogs. Adopt us. Love us. Take care of us. We don't need clubs, approvals or breeds. That's like, what....a category? We hope someone can straighten all you guys out and understand that a dog just wants somebody to love. Watch the video at this link and you'll get an idea of what pet bloggers like us are trying to accomplish. We need to all Be the Change! Ideas? Leave a comment!

So Much for Snow Fun; I'll Stick to Swimming Here in Florida

by Tanner

© Carrie Boyko
One Thing Great about Florida--
Year Round Swimming Fun

The FIDO Friendly series of posts about snow ski resorts sure did have me drooling. Oliver just kept hunkering down deeper into his bed. I guess if we ever get to go North, I'll be playing outside alone. Mom? C'mon!

For now, I'm lucky to be able to swim year round, since the water stays a comfortable 72 degrees in my pool, even during snow ski season. I'm still bucking for a trip to snow country, but I guess it won't be happening this year. Bummer :(

Anybody for a swim?

We're Being the Change

by Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko
Toys, Food, Music, Treats, Bandanas
and Reading for New Owners

Mom has been fundraising for a local rescue that just got a bunch of labs--257 to be exact. Can you imagine?

We have some wonderful readers at All Things Dog Blog that donate time to the Little Dog Rescue here in Central Florida. They're collecting things for the small pups, so mom and I had fun collecting all these goodies.

I had a hard time focusing on the camera; the treats and food samples and toys were taking my attention away.  But I did get to show off one of MANKINDdog's bandanas. Even us little dogs like to look like boys, not sissies! I look handsome, right?

Dogs Don't Judge; We Love Unconditionally

by Tanner

© Carrie Boyko
Dogs Love Unconditionally

Today my mom published a letter to a reader at All Things Dog Blog. This reader wrote to her about feeling guilty because she was comparing her dogs. I have a few thoughts on that to share.

Yes, dogs have thoughts. Maybe not like yours, but we do think. I know that I love Tiffany, my friend in this picture. Even if she doesn't visit me for months at a time, I still love her when she does. If she visits every day, I still love her. If she ignores me, I still love her.

I guess it's a dog thing, but I just wanted you to know. Whomever loves us will get that love back and more. That's the way we dogs are.

There She Goes Again!

by Tanner

(c) Carrie Boyko
The First Giveaway in a
Series of Free Dog Books 

Have I told you how much Oliver and I love to hear stories? We really do. When we ride to Gram's or the dog park, mom always plays stories on her CD player thingy. It's soothing to us to listen to, just like Lisa Spector's Music for your Canine Companion. We like that music for naptime and whenever we have excitement that we can't control.

When mom came home this past weekend with a box full of books we were excited. That is, until we learned that she is going to give them all away to YOU!

Mom has books for kids and books for adults and books for tiny children, and they're all about dogs. Perfect reading material for the holidays and we won't get to participate.  Well, except in some of the photos maybe. That's not so much fun as getting read to.

If you're interested in getting free books, check out our mom's post over at All Things Dog Blog to learn how you can win one. They're going fast, so don't waste any time. Good luck!

Mom's Giving our Toys Away? Sorry, No Hints Available!

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Cool Hiding Places
in this Toy!

I got the memo. Mom wants me to give you guys some hints to help you solve her puzzle at All Things Dog Blog. The problem is that when you solve the puzzle, she's going to give our toys away. Sorry. I'm busy....no hints here. You'll have to catch me sometime when Mom is giving away medicine or poop bags. Good luck.

© Carrie Boyko
The Star Spinner

Why Not Choose a Small Dog?

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Small Dogs Bond Quickly

There she goes again....running on about stuff that irritates me. Mom is actually talking about the pros (duh!) and CONS (is she kidding?) of owning a small dog. Seriously....what's not to love about a small dog?

Do I eat too much? No
Do I take up too much space? No
Do I pull your arm off on the walk? No
Do I win all the tug games? No
Am I cute? Yes!!!!
Am I easy to cuddle with? Yes

So, what else is there? Let's get over it already and realize that little dogs are the bomb. We're adorable and lovable and cute and cuddly...everything an owner could possibly want. Right? Case closed.

Loving My Crate....Please Tell the Schnauzer Mom that Crates are Great!

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
My Safe, Cozy Crate

Trainer Mike is a nice guy; he helps us with the Ask the Dog Trainer column at All Things Dog Blog. He's trying to help out a dog owner that is having trouble getting a Schnauzer to snooze. I hear the Schnauzer likes a crate, so what's the confusion? My crate is my bedroom--sort of--only better. I can see, but no one will step on me while I lay in my bed. What could be better?

Actually I don't call it a crate. I call it "Nite Nite". When Mom says go "Nite Nite", I scamper there so fast she's left in my dust. I always get a little treat for going there, and that's all it takes.

I also like to spend time in my crate when I'm sleepy. After a long walk or a visit to the dog park, I usually take a long nap in my crate, er Nite Nite. Ahhhh! It's sooo peaceful to sleep after running and playing. Don't you think?

I Lost? When? Where? How?

by Tanner

© Carrie Boyko
I Can't Face the Camera

I guess the title of this post should be "I fought the ball and the ball won". I'm so embarrassed. I tried for 30 minutes to get the green ball out of the middle of the purple ball, but gosh-golly, I just couldn't. I challenge you to try it.....be sure to let me know the secret!

Mom is further embarrassing me by talking about it over at All Things Dog Blog, and to top that off she has guest-posted a slideshow of my drama on Dogtipper. 

I'm going to have to set some ground rules about these photo sessions, I guess. Or maybe I'll just eat the camera. Yeah!

Holistic Dog Food Finally Defined

by Tanner and Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko
Loving the Natural Life

"HOLISTIC":  Look it up in the dictionary and you'll find something like 'considering the mind, body and spirit'. Our own Dr. Pat is a holistic veterinarian. That's pretty easy for us to understand.

Today, over at All Things Dog Blog, Dr. Pat is explaining how food can be considered 'holistic.' Mom says Tanner and I are a spirited two-some, but that certainly does not make us holistic. It's so confusing! Thank goodness Dr. Pat is helping folks understand what holistic dog food is and how it is good for us.

"Hey Mom; can we read the ingredients on our dog food bag again? We just gotta make sure."

Bissell is Helping us Get Somebody a New Handvac fur FREE!

by Tanner

Notice that I'm in the ad. Not bad, huh?

What's even better is that mom is giving away one of these great pet fur erasers over at All Things Dog Blog. You can enter by following the instructions in her post. It's a great holiday gift for any mom, dad or dog-lover on your gift list. Mom says it works really well on our fur in the car. That was her first complaint about our old vacuum. It was nice to see her smiling while she was vacuuming up my fur. BOL!!!

Saving Cash is Easy with All Things Dog Blog

by Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko
Who Needs a
Gym Membership?

While Tanner is off  running with Dad, I've got editorial duty. Mom's busy passing along tips for saving money on us pups. That's important cuz the more money you have the more pups you can have, right?

When you subscribe to All Things Dog Blog, mom sends you a free ebook called Putting Your Dog on a Budget. Sounds like a 'no toys' kind of thing to me, but she assures me it's not. Whew!

Over at All Things Dog Blog, mom has coupons, discounts and all sorts of ideas for saving money, in addition to the ebook. You should probly check 'em out. It's good stuff.

No Rest for a Weary Dog

by Tanner and Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
You Want us to What?

Things are just completely out of hand here. After the MANKINDdog business, and then the Woof and Meow series, we thought we'd get a little vacation. 

Mom's got us doing more photo ops for toy and vacuum reviews and all sorts of other stuff. Does she think we're cover models or something? Next thing you know, she may be training us for Chippendale dancing. Hmmmm.....That could be a clever theme for a Canine Freestyle routine, huh? We'll have to put that on our long term To Do list.

For now, we just want to remind you to check out the vacuum giveaway that mom's got going at All Things Dog Blog. It's a dandy!

Dog Book Reviews: I'll Eat That!

by Tanner

© Carrie Boyko
Kibble or a Book?

Mom is so funny. She mentioned something about starting to review dog books on her blog, All Things Dog Blog. I told her I'd be happy to help with that. Just toss it over and I'll gobble it down. She laughed at me!

Seriously, what's not good about eating paper? All dogs love the stuff. There's nothing better than a box of tissues, right? I just don't get my mom sometimes. She says she'll be either doing the book reviews herself or getting another writer to contribute them. Any takers?

Turning this Back over to the Dogs...

by Patches

© Carrie Boyko
Patches Wants to Retire

Okay, I did my thing. I have a new-fangled Litter-Robot and I really do like it. It's private and clean and keeps the dogs out of my face when I'm busy. Your cat would probably like one too. But I'm so over this blog business. I want out. I'm signing off as of right now. Meow OUT!

If mom needs a critter other than our dogs to blog here, she'll have to get Robby, our family's rabbit, to participate. She can have a carrot eating contest or something ridiculous like that.

If you didn't win the Litter-Robot, you can order one here. I guarantee you'll love it.  And P.S.--I hate being called "Meow"!!! Adios amigos!

Enough Already. We Need Some Time Off!

by Tanner and Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner Guards the Litter-Robot 

When we signed on as bloggers, it was not in the contract that we had 3X daily photo sessions. Mom's just simply taken this too far. Here's just a few of the photos from the last few weeks of Woof and Meow and MANKINDdog™ pics thats she's published, not to mention the ones that went in the circular file. That's what she calls it when it's not our best profile. Shouldn't we get paid overtime or something? Maybe extra chew treats?

© Carrie Boyko
I Look Great in MANKINDdog's Bandana! 

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner Got one too! 

© Carrie Boyko
And another one!

© Carrie Boyko
We were Angels in this Photo
Don't you Agree?

© Carrie Boyko
I'm Off the Clock Now. Zzzzz...

Dog and Cat Housemates--Tanner and Oliver's Story

by Tanner

(c) Carrie Boyko
Tanner Shares the Straight Scoop

Our mom is sharing her tips for bringing a new dog into the house, over at All Things Dog Blog. Both of us--Tanner and Oliver--came into our home after Patches was already full grown. Technically she was already considered a senior cat. She's 12 now.

Mom was patient with us while we learned how to behave the right way with Patches. Of course, I picked this up much quicker than Oliver  ;) Mom says that's because I'm so big that I knew I had to be more gentle around her. I think I'm just smarter than Oliver, but don't tell him that. He's sorta touchy about that stuff. It's a little dog thing.

Oliver still has his moments. He'd like to get her to play with him, because she's about his size. They would be nice tag partners.  Patches doesn't think so though, and a couple of times when Oliver was still a pup, he got his nose swatted. That helped him to learn the ropes. Now his efforts at getting her to play tag are merely invitations, without too much energy behind them.

He's finally smartened up and realized he likes his nose on his face. I'm glad cuz I don't think I'd enjoy looking at a dog without a nose all day.

Occasionally Patches will join us all on Mom's bed, when we watch a movie or take a nap. Her back is always to us and of course, the minute mom grabs her camera, Patches scoots. She's really camera shy. Oh well. Oliver and I make better photo models for a dog blog anyway, right?

I'd like to add some notes about treats for well-behaved dogs. I think mom missed that point. We'll have to have a talk about that.

New Dog Kit is a Big Hit

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Guard Dog Duty Over

I'm finally done with my big job. This week my mom had me guarding the New Dog Kit that she gave away today. It was big work for a little guy. I had to keep all the gifts safe from the big Mastiff down the street, and the Doberman that lives around the corner. Whew!

Today our Mom awarded the kit to a Facebook Fan. The winner's name is in the post at All Things Dog Blog. Was it you? I hope the puppy is very happy and he gets lots of long walks.

I'm pooped now from all this guard duty. Time to nap.

Pet Bloggers Unite to Help Rescues and Humane Societies

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
I Love my Bandana!

My mom and a dog loving company called MANKINDdog™ have formed a pack of their own. They're busy raising money for mom's favorite rescue and MANKINDdog's local Humane Society by getting bloggers to link to their program.

At the Blogpaws conference lots of pet bloggers like us started a "Be the Change" program to do good stuff for pets. They're helping mom out too, with a nice post at the link above. When we all work together, we can help lots more pets get homes and have nice lives. Tanner and I want to do our part, cuz we're the lucky guys. So, we're going to "Be the Change" along with our mom. Won't you join us and blog about her campaign!

When it's all over they'll be giving away lots of thank you gifts and 2 big prize packages. Tanner and I looked over the prize packages and decided we're in. We're bloggers too, so we're going to help out. We're posting about the campaign right here.

You can enter to win the prize package this way:

• Order $40 or more of merchandise from MANKINDdog™ by November 19 to enter.
• Then, let my mom know you entered to be sure your name is in the pot. (That's really, really important!) Send her a message or email her at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.
• On November 20th, MANKINDdog™ and All Things Dog Blog™ will announce the winners. Here's the prize package: You can read more at mom's post. Just follow the link above.

Good luck!

There's a New Dog Trainer in Town: I've Got to Be on My Toes Now!

by Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko

Did you hear the news? My CGC tester guy is now a staff-member of my mom's blog. I guess that means I have to be a perfect angel now. I'm not sure this CGC stuff is everything it's cracked up to be. I have all this pressure on me now. Every time we leave the house I have to be a good boy. What fun is that?

I suppose I'll just have to do my best to keep my nose clean. It would get worse if I'm naughty and mom took me back to get MORE training. I mean, really....he's a nice guy and all. But I'd rather go to the dog park than school. Wouldn't you?

SpokesDog? I Thought that was My Job :(

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Did I Lose My Job? Nah!

It seems that I've been replaced as the SpokesDog over at All Things Dog Blog. I didn't even get a Pink Slip. Better look at my paycheck. Wait! I don't get a paycheck. Hmmmmm....

JK...I've been busy with Tanner taking pics of us in our new MANKINDdog™ bandanas, so I guess that why Scruffy got the SpokesDog job in the post about Seniors and Puppies.

It's okay, we look extremely dapper in our new bandanas and you'll get to see us soon. Have you seen the prize package of MANKINDdog™ goodies that mom is giving out at their raffle? Wow! Somebody is going to be super lucky to get all those great gifts. Mom says there's only 2 weeks to enter, so you better get going and find out how at her post. Good luck!

Let's Win Some Prizes and Rescue the Rescues

by Tanner and Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
We Need Your Help!

Today is a great day to remember your canine companions' loyalty and dedication to you. Hasn't he kept your feet warm in bed, guarded your home and made sure you get your exercise. Of course!


Now it's time to return the favor. Our mom is busy as a bee at All Things Dog Blog™, telling the whole world about MANKINDdog™. This is a cool website that carries really super nice stuff for dogs and dog owners. Maybe you'd like to take a look?


Mom and the MANKINDdog™ folks even got a big charity campaign going to help the 257 Labs at our local rescue and a Humane Society in Arizona. She says they are trying to Be the Change for Animals. This sounds good to us.


There's a group of pet bloggers that have banded together to network and do good stuff for animals. They all get together to share ideas and help out rescues through the Blogpaws site. They even have conferences to talk about pet blogging. Mom went to one of their conferences a couple of months ago and now she's a blogging lunatic. Well, maybe that's a little harsh, but you get what we mean. Apparently us bloggers really can make a difference. Who knew?!!


We hope you'll check out the cool prizes and fun doggie stuff at MANKINDdog™ and the program at All Things Dog Blog™. See ya soon!

More Doggie Fun Gone....

by Tanner

© Carrie Boyko
Gotta Find Fun Somewhere

Ever since I came to live here, I have enjoyed watching mom clean out the kitty litter box. Now that she's got this new-fangled Litter-Robot, I don't get much in the way of fun viewing. She makes me sit/stay at the entrance to Patches' private room (oh brother!) and only about every 2 weeks does she have to remove the bag and replace it. What's the fun in that I ask you? No poop to scoop! No luscious smell to take in!

Today at All Things Dog Blog she's reviewing the new litter box, along with some new kitty litter Patches seems to like, and she seems quite happy about it all. I just don't get it.

Technology is just completely taking all the fun out of a dog's life. I'm going to have to figure out how to send a letter to the robot folks and complain. Us dogs love the smell of a cat litter box and these folks are ruining everything for us.

Funny thing is Patches is not complaining. She ought to be; she had to get used to the new contraption. She probably thinks she's climbing into a spaceship every time nature calls. Poor girl. One of these days I'll figure out why she seems to like it and report back. For now, things are looking pretty glum for us dogs.

This is Tanner, reporting from 5 Minutes for Fido, the All Things Dog Blog's Dogs' blog. (Can you say that 3 X fast?)

Canine Angels help with Holiday Events

(c) Carrie Boyko
Tanner and Oliver
 Guard the Goodie Bag

The winner has been announced at All Things Dog Blog, and mom has made us take an oath of office. She made us 'lawmen', in charge of protecting the Halloween Treat Prize for her winner.

After that, she dressed us up in Angel Wings and we had to completely change our attitudes. Boy was that confusing. First she tells us to be tough and macho; then we have to be sweet and Angelic.

Do you want to see our pictures as Angels? Check us out at All Things Dog Blog. We tried to be as sweet as possible. Maybe if we could have had some candy we would have been sweeter. Too late now.

Oh well; such is the life of an All Things Dog Blog dog. We're not complaining; we got treats for doing all the photos.

Now, what's really important is that you visit there and check out who the winner of the costume contest is. Getalong little doggies....

Freaky Dog People help out with Halloween

by Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko
Mom Loves her Freaky Dog People Tshirt

Mom got to try out two new toys today, and we're helping. She got a new Tshirt from the folks at Freaky Dog People, just in time for Halloween. I don't have the heart to tell her she doesn't look very scary, but then my costume is pretty much for softies too. At least we'll both look cute!

That reminds me...have you entered the Halloween photo contest? There's a big bag of treats for the winner, so don't miss out on this. Mom put lots of our favorites in the bag. Somepuppy will be very lucky on Friday!

If you want to see Mom's review of the Tshirts, you can check out her article at All Things Dog Blog. She's giving 3 shirts away next week, and all the instructions for entering the drawing are there. Yeah for FREE!

She's been learning to use her new camera, so today we tested the timer feature. How cool is that? She gets credit for the picture and gets to be in it with me too! Technology is so much fun. I better get back to work. Mom just put me in charge of keeping Tanner occupied, so I've got a big job to do...catch ya later!

AKC Treats: I'll Play You for a Trip to Big Lots!

Mom and I are tugging for a trip to Big Lots. She told her readers over at All Things Dog Blog that they have all the AKC treats at special pricing.

A little help here....c'mon you guys. I gotta win this tug game to get to Big Lots and stock up on yummies. Trust me; Oliver is NO HELP.  Ugh.

Diets for Dogs? Oh no!

by Tanner

© T. Boyko
Puppy School Graduation
My Skinny Days

Well, I suppose the tape measure will be coming out soon and mom will be watching our waistlines. Poor Oliver. He's so small that there isn't much chance of him getting a full bowl of chow. As much as we enjoy a green bean, carrot, apple or banana as a treat, we're not looking forward to a daily diet of them.

Mom says as long as we continue to exercise regularly, we can stay on our usual food regimen. Whew! Dr. Pat's diet is okay for a Chihuahua, but I'm a big 70-lb. Golden Retriever that needs a sizable amount of calories for all my fetching, running, swimming, dog parking, long walks and even the visits to the pet store. I used to be really skinny when I was a pup, but I've finally reached my goal weight--sounds fancy huh. That's what doc calls 70 lbs., so I guess it's good.

 I don't want to give up a scoop of chow if she's worried about my Halloween costume fitting me. Oh, that reminds me, we do need to get that ready, huh? Oliver and I are going to dress up in honor of Xena. Can you guess what we're going to be? Watch for photos here on Friday, so you can see our tribute to our favorite girl. See ya soon!

Respect our Cat? Who's She Kidding?

by Tanner

(c) Carrie Boyko
No More Cat Litter Raids?

This whole Be the Pack Leader business is just getting out of hand. Mom trained Oliver and I to stay out of the cat's 'room', and now the investigative fun has ended. What good is a pup's curiosity if he can't use it?

The closest I can get is about 4 feet from the new Litter-Robot, and it has this tiny opening, so I can hardly get my head in to make a steal, even if I am lucky enough to get into the room when Mom's not looking. On top of that, she had to go and put this nice-smelling litter in it that's made out of corn. She says it's the World's Best Cat Litter. It sure does smell better than the old-fashioned clay stuff. Any ideas on how I can get the goods?

I'm gong to have to find a way to stop mom from reading training manuals and taking training classes. I just want to visit the dog park, eat and swim. Okay, so I do want a fetch game in there somewhere too.  But respecting the cat is way too much to ask.

Well trained dogs unite; we need a plan!

Mom is conspiring with the cat litter company and the Litter-Robot folks to give away prizes. That means more owners will be trying to train their dogs to respect their cats. You guys better get on board and let's come up with a plan, before too many more folks enter her drawing at All Things Dog Blog. Leave your comments here and we'll work on it.

High Five from Tanner!

Busy Dogs...Busy Bloggers. We're Missing our Editor-in-Chief

by Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko
Oliver Practices for Halloween

This week has been a bit tough for us. Missing our Xena, the Editor-in-Chief of this blog, we're pulling all the weight. Mourning a packmate is normal for dogs, so I guess we're not behaving terribly out of the ordinary. We just haven't been the perkiest pups in the park, but we're working at it.

Mom has had us out for lots of walks, swims and dog park visits. She even dressed me up in last year's Halloween costume to see if I'd liven up, but instead I took another nap. The socializing at the dog park was probably the best thing for us--helped get our minds off things at home.

Problem is when we arrive home the memories are still there. Xena's crate is empty. Her favorite spots have not been warmed and her dish is untouched. Guess it's time to move on, but we're not really ready. Our motto for now is:

 "One paw in front of the other"

If you have ideas for helping us cheer up, we'd love to hear them. We can use all the help we can get. The comment link is down at the bottom. Feel free to offer your tips. Thanks!

We're One Dog Short of a Threesome :(

by Tanner and Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko
 It's a Sad Day for our Pack

Yesterday we had to say goodbye to our big sister. She has helped raise us both, kept us out of mischief and made sure we listened to mom.

We may be a bit less boisterous, take more pensive walks and spend more time napping, but there is no doubt we'll be thinking about her every time we smell her on a pillow, or remember her when we see her favorite spots to nap.

Our mom said goodbye to our Xena at All Things Dog Blog. She also placed her favorite picture of Xena in the All Things Dog Blog's Rainbow Bridge Memorial. We'll visit her often.